An Evolving Life Value System
A life value system is a set of values that guide a person's behavior and life choices
After spending the past year outside of the U.S., I’ve come to question if Americans have anything figured out when it comes to life.
In America competitiveness is the primary focus. Sports dominate the landscape—as soon as one season ends; another begins.
But as I’ve evolved, competitiveness has become a quality I don’t want to be around very much. Competitive people are incredibly unpleasant. They lack humility, empathy and, often, basic manners. Typically, they think far too much of themselves, more often than not without any justification.
I spent so many years in a competitive environment, and I look back now and realize how unhealthy that attitude can become when you allow it to dominate as it does in America.
Winning becomes the only goal and all too often we are willing to allow other things such as time, health and compassion, to slide all for the almighty “win.”
Europe has allowed me to get in touch with my bohemian side, something I wrote about before. I prefer being around these types, people who are interested in artistic and unusual things. People who live in an informal way; those who ignore the usually accepted ways of behaving and are different from the way most people live.
Along the same lines, I realize how Americans have demonized hedonism as if choosing to follow pleasure is a sin that results in eternal damnation.
In reality, hedonism is simply the prioritizing of pleasure.
However, popular culture tries to depict hedonists as unhappy, and selfishly unconcerned with others' well-being when in fact I have found the exact opposite to be true.
Social psychologist Shalom H. Schwartz creator of the Theory of Basic Human Values makes some interesting points in his support of hedonism…
Hedonism falls under the "openness to change" dimension, encouraging individuals to explore new experiences and pursue their desires for personal pleasure.
Hedonism allows for positive self-expression without a feeling of guilt or shame.
Hedonism reduces anxiety.
The pursuit of pleasure can motivate individuals to actively participate in activities they find enjoyable, enhancing their overall life satisfaction.
Hedonists tend to be happier and overall healthier than conservatives.
When balanced with other values, prioritizing some level of hedonism can contribute to a positive emotional state by focusing on pleasurable experiences.
Of course, like all things, balance is the key. Every facet of life has the potential for excess. If taken to an extreme, any value system can lead to prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term goals, potentially neglecting responsibilities or social obligations.
However, it is a form of divergent thinking when you integrate different values systems into a healthy approach to life that involves balancing pleasure with other values like self-care, compassion, and reflection.
Yours in pleasure,
D.K.